What are the benefits of using plastic garden containers?

Plastic garden containers are lightweight, making them easy to move around, especially for indoor or balcony plants. They are durable and resistant to weather conditions such as rain, frost, and sunlight. Unlike clay or ceramic pots, plastic containers retain moisture better, making them ideal for plants needing consistent hydration. Many brands, like Bloem and Humble Garden, offer UV-resistant options that prevent fading and cracking. Additionally, they are available in various sizes, shapes, and colors to suit different gardening needs.

Are plastic garden containers safe for edible plants?

Yes, plastic containers can be safe for growing edible plants if they are made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic. Look for containers labeled with safe plastics such as HDPE (#2) or PP (#5). Brands like EarthBox specialize in plastic containers designed specifically for growing vegetables and herbs. Avoid using old or unidentified plastics as they may leach harmful chemicals into the soil. Always clean and inspect containers before use to ensure safety.

Are there eco-friendly plastic garden containers?

Eco-friendly plastic containers are made from recycled or biodegradable plastics. Brands like Bloem Recycled and Terracast Planters produce sustainable options that are both stylish and functional. These containers reduce plastic waste and often have a lower environmental impact during production. Some biodegradable options, made from bamboo or coir-based materials, look like plastic but break down naturally over time. Check for certifications like “made from recycled materials” to ensure eco-friendliness.

Are plastic garden containers recyclable?

Most plastic containers are recyclable if they are made from materials like HDPE (#2) or PP (#5). Check your local recycling guidelines to confirm acceptance of garden pots. Brands like Nursery Supplies Inc. offer take-back programs for recycling used plastic containers. Avoid recycling containers that are cracked, painted, or contaminated with soil unless cleaned thoroughly. Recycling extends the life cycle of the material and reduces waste.

Do plastic garden containers overheat plants?

Plastic can retain heat in direct sunlight, potentially overheating plants. To mitigate this, use light-colored containers, like those from Lechuza, which reflect sunlight. Adding a layer of mulch or insulating the container can help keep roots cool. Consider double-walled designs, which provide added insulation. Position containers in shaded areas during peak heat to protect sensitive plants.

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Root Tube Gardens
Grow Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers in Pots & Planters

Welcome To Root Tube Gardens

Welcome to our Root Tube digital Garden, your place to learn how to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers in pots and planters with Root Tubes ®. Let’s get growing!

What's In The Box?

Hurray, your box has arrived! In it you’ll find 50 pre-fertilized Root Tubes with root bags, 2 installation tools, a welcome to the Root Tube family card with a link back to this school and a 5-gallon container so you can make your compost tea.

What You'll Need

You will need 50 garden containers, soil, seed and/or transplants. We discuss your options and give you some tips and tricks in the video below.

How To Install

In this video, we show you how to install your root tube in a garden container.

Growing Tomatoes With A Trellis

In this video, we show you how to grow indeterminate tomatoes with a vertical tomato trellis. Indeterminate tomato varieties are known for their continuous growth and fruit production throughout the season, making them ideal for trellised growing. Popular types include cherry tomatoes such as Sweet 100 and Sungold, beefsteak tomatoes like Brandywine, and plum tomatoes such as San Marzano.

Growing Tomatoes Without A Trellis

Here, we show you how to grow determinate tomatoes. These varieties naturally grow to a compact height and produce fruit over a shorter period, eliminating the need for trellising. Determinate tomatoes are ideal for container gardeners with limited space. Popular examples include cherry tomatoes like Tiny Tim, beefsteak types such as Celebrity and Bushsteak, and plum varieties like Roma and Heinz 2653.

Growing Peppers

In the video below, we show you how to grow bell peppers. Any type of bell pepper can be grown in a Root Tube, including classic green bell peppers like California Wonder, sweet yellow varieties such as Golden Bell, orange types like Orange Sun, and red bell peppers such as King Arthur. For a unique touch, specialty bell peppers such as Purple Beauty and Chocolate Beauty grow exceptionally well, providing an array of colors and flavors to enhance your garden and culinary creations.

Growing Eggplant

In this video, we show you how to grow eggplant. All types of eggplant can be grown with a Root Tube, including classic varieties like Black Beauty, Asian types such as Ping Tung Long and Ichiban, small-fruited options like Fairy Tale and Little Fingers, and Italian varieties such as Rosa Bianca. The Root Tube system also supports unique options like White Star and Green Knight, allowing gardeners to cultivate an impressive diversity of shapes, sizes, and colors for both ornamental appeal and edible harvests.

Growing Kale

Here, we show you how to grow kale. All types of kale can be grown with a Root Tube, including classic varieties like Curly Kale, tender options such as Lacinato Kale (also known as Dinosaur Kale), colorful types like Red Russian Kale and Scarlet Kale, and baby kale varieties perfect for salads. Root Tubes also supports unique plants like Siberian and Premier Kale, allowing you to enjoy a rich diversity of textures, flavors, and nutritional benefits year-round.

Growing Collards

In this video, we show you how to grow collards. All types of collards can be grown with a Root Tube, including classic varieties like Georgia Southern, heirloom options such as Champion Collards, fast-growing types like Flash Collards, and hybrid varieties like Top Bunch 2.0. The Root Tube system also supports unique options like Vates Collards and Morris Heading for containers.

Growing Lettuce

The video below shows you how to grow lettuce, a versatile and easy-to-grow crop that thrives in a variety of settings. With a Root Tube, you can cultivate many types of lettuce, including crisphead varieties like Iceberg for a classic crunch, butterhead types such as Buttercrunch and Bibb for their tender, buttery leaves, and romaine lettuce like Paris Island Cos, known for its sturdy texture and sweet flavor. Additionally, loose-leaf varieties such as Black-Seeded Simpson and Red Salad Bowl offer a mix of vibrant colors and delicate textures. For a unique touch, specialty lettuces like Lollo Rosso and Oakleaf provide stunning visual appeal and rich flavors to elevate your container garden.

Growing Spinach

In this video, we show you how to grow spinach, a nutrient-packed leafy green that thrives in various growing conditions. Using a Root Tube, you can cultivate a range of spinach types, including smooth-leaf varieties like Space and Corvair, which are ideal for salads and cooking, and savoyed types such as Bloomsdale Long Standing, known for their crinkled leaves and rich flavor. For those seeking heat-tolerant options, try semi-savoy varieties like Tyee or Catalina. The Root Tube system also supports specialty types like Red Cardinal Spinach, adding a unique color and texture to your harvest.

Growing Beans

In the video below, we show you how to grow bush beans, a productive and easy-to-grow crop that thrives in a Root Tube system. This method allows you to grow all types and varieties of bush beans, including classic green beans like Blue Lake 274 and Provider, yellow wax beans such as Golden Wax and Pencil Pod Wax, and purple varieties like Royal Burgundy. For a unique touch, try specialty beans like Dragon Tongue with their striking streaked pods or French filet types such as Maxibel, known for their tender, slender pods. The Root Tube system ensures optimal growth conditions, resulting in a bountiful harvest perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or preserving.

Growing Zucchini

In this video, we show you how to grow zucchini, a versatile and high-yielding summer squash that thrives in a Root Tube system. This method supports all types and varieties of zucchini, including classic green varieties like Black Beauty and Dunja, yellow zucchinis such as Gold Rush and Golden Delight, and striped types like Cocozelle. For a unique twist, try round varieties like Eight Ball, perfect for stuffing, or patty pan squash like Sunburst, which offers a distinctive shape and flavor.

Growing Herbs

Herbs are the most commonly grown plants in a garden container. In this video, we show you how to create an herbal garden using Root Tubes to grow a variety of flavorful and aromatic herbs. Suitable options include classic culinary herbs like Basil (Genovese and Lemon Basil), Parsley (Curly and Flat-Leaf), and Cilantro. For Mediterranean favorites, try Thyme, Rosemary, and Oregano. Additionally, you can grow hardy perennials like Sage and Chives, as well as unique varieties such as Purple Basil and Chocolate Mint.

Growing Flowers

Herbs may be commonly grown in pots and planters, but flowers are definitely the most popular. In this video, we show you how to grow flowers from seed or transplant. From gorgeous hanging varieties like Petunias, Calibrachoa, and Fuchsias, to vertical cut flowers like Sunflowers, Snapdragons, and Delphiniums, there’s a flower for every space and style. For bee-loving pollinators, try Echinacea (Coneflowers), Black-Eyed Susans, and Lavender. Whether you’re creating a vibrant garden display, supporting pollinators, or growing blooms for bouquets, our tips will help you achieve stunning results.